MSc Computing Science (Part Time)
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
If you’re a graduate of any non-computing discipline and now working, but you’re interested in computers, you can then do this specially designed MSc Computing Science course on a part-time basis to help you move on within the computing field.
A personalised study plan will be made for you after discussion with the course director to fit your work commitment and time you have for the course. In total, you need to take six taught modules over two years, which include a compulsory module, and two optional modules that are more advanced or specialised in some areas such as developing secure software, cyber security, machine learning and data mining, computer vision, and modern embedded technology. In general, you should balance your study workload over the two years, that is, roughly three modules a year. In addition, you need to do a dissertation project.
In addition, you’ll be trained to develop your generic and transferable skills in the areas of such as communication, critical thinking and reasoning, problem solving, technical writing, independent and team working and project management. You’ll also learn about computing professionalism and ethics. You’ll do a dissertation project, which will give you the chance to specialise in a specific topic of your interest and work closely with our world-leading academics.
Located in the beautiful and historic city of Norwich, you’ll enjoy an active research environment, work with modern facilities and equipment, and research at the state-of-the-art library at UEA.
When you graduate, you’ll be professionally competitive and highly flexible. You’ll be in a great position to take a career in a challenging and changing employment environment. Over the years, our graduates have found employment in companies like Microsoft, BT, Aviva, WorldPay, PwC, Morgan Stanley, and China Mobile, and in public sector organisations like the Office for National Statistics or research institutes.
Study and Modules
Structure
The structure of this two-year part-time course is very flexible and depends on your work commitment and the time you have for the course. You should consult the course director (and also your employer) to make a study plan to specify exactly what modules to take in each of the four semesters over the two years.
If you already have sufficient knowledge and experience of one or two of the areas covered in the fundamental modules, you may be able to swap them for optional modules, with permission from the course director.
In addition to these essential modules, you’ll choose two modules from optional advanced or specialist modules. Our optional modules can be classified into three themes: Information Systems Development, Data Science, Versatile Computing.
Your study plan should specify what modules you want to take each semester over two years, based on your available time. If you’re not sure how to make your study plan, you should contact the Course Director to discuss it in detail.
In your first year, you’ll take many essential learning and research methods and skills for doing the course in general and dissertation later more specifically.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Over the two years, you’ll have an average of 4-12 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff through lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars, depending on your study plan. Additionally, you should allocate at least 8-16 hours per week for independent study, coursework assignments and projects.
You’ll be taught through lectures, seminars, directed study and laboratory exercises, involving individual work and teamwork. Your modules are integrated in a web-based framework, and you’ll be grouped in teams with other students to design and implement a substantial web-based application.
Independent study
Alongside your formal learning, you’ll study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics. You’ll build up to your MSc dissertation project, where you'll explore a topic or work on a problem that is usually related to the school's research areas. This project gives you an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned from the course to carry out in-depth research on a topic, or develop a working system for various applications. Some project work may be done with companies and could involve paid placement at a company.
Assessment
We have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. Additionally, there is an individual project which is assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (typically 20%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (typically 25%)
- Project (30%)
- Written assignments (typically 25%)
Structure
In your second year, you’ll take some optional modules and also be allocated a dissertation project so that you can start to work on your dissertation project earlier to spread your dissertation works. Examples of recent dissertation titles include:
- Develop an application of video shot detection
- A LEGO-like solution for small scale IoT applications
- Predicting earthquakes with time series data mining
- Machine learning ensemble methods for identifying fake on-line reviews or fake news
- Predicting the results of tennis matches in real time
- Predicting energy consumption for residential customers using smart meter data
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 0)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Over the two years, you’ll have an average of 4-12 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff through lectures, laboratory sessions, and seminars. You’ll also need to allocate at least 8-16 hours per week for independent study, coursework assignments, and projects.
You’ll be taught through a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars, directed study, and laboratory exercises. You’ll be expected to work both independently and as part of a team. Your modules are integrated into a web-based framework, and you’ll be grouped with other students to design and implement a substantial web-based application.
Independent study
In addition to your formal learning, you’ll also need to study independently to gain a deeper understanding of specialist topics. You’ll culminate this independent study in an MSc dissertation project, where you’ll explore a topic or work on a problem that is usually related to the school's research areas. This project will give you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned from the course to carry out in-depth research on a topic, or develop a working system for various applications. Some project work may be done with companies and could involve paid placement at a company.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessments, both individual and group, to test your knowledge and skills. These include written work, presentations, demonstrations, and exams. The balance of assessments varies depending on the module you're taking.
All assessments are designed to test your understanding of the course material and your ability to apply it in a practical setting. The individual project is assessed through a combination of written work and a presentation or demonstration.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (typically 20%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (typically 25%)
- Project (30%)
- Written assignments (typically 25%)
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree -2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject area except Computing Science. Suitable for any with an aptitude in computing (eg work with websites or relevant work experience). This MSc is primarily aimed at students who have not previously studied a degree in computing, or have limited computing knowledge from their undergraduate degree. If you have a computing degree, please check the course modules and content carefully to ensure the programme meets your needs and future career aspirations and requirements. Students with a UK Computing Degree will have covered too much of the content of this course and should consider Advanced Computing Science, Cyber Security or Data Science.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject area except Computing Science. Suitable for any with an aptitude in computing (eg work with websites or relevant work experience). This MSc is primarily aimed at students who have not previously studied a degree in computing, or have limited computing knowledge from their undergraduate degree. If you have a computing degree, please check the course modules and content carefully to ensure the programme meets your needs and future career aspirations and requirements. Students with a UK Computing Degree will have covered too much of the content of this course and should consider Advanced Computing Science, Cyber Security or Data Science.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall with minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking and 5.5 in Listening and Reading
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
-
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
-
UK Students: £11,775
-
International Students: £24,500
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
As a graduate from this course, you'll be able to find employment in industry, public sector organisations and in research, working in diverse roles ranging from independent consultant, software developer, systems analyst, data analyst or IT manager to academic or commercial researcher.
One past graduate said: “I have found a job as a software developer, and I am finding that the course has prepared me well for this. Once again, I’d like to thank you for getting your students ready for the real world.”
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Software engineer/programmer
- Web or app developer
- Systems analyst and/or administrator
- Databases administrator
- Data scientist
- Artificial intelligence developer
Discover more on our Careers webpages.